A recent study has shown that a drug approved for treating obesity in adults and teenagers can also be safe and effective for use in children as young as 6, as long as it is combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The research, which was presented at a medical conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that liraglutide helped lower body mass, slow weight gain, and improve health markers in children aged 6 to 11.
The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has requested U.S. regulators to expand the use of liraglutide for children in this age group, making it the first medication approved to treat the most common type of obesity affecting over 20% of U.S. kids aged 6 to 11. Dr. Claudia Fox, a pediatric obesity expert who led the study, highlighted the lack of treatment options for children with obesity, emphasizing that they are often advised to rely solely on diet and exercise.
Although the study showed positive outcomes, including reductions in body mass index and improved health indicators in children who received liraglutide, there were common side effects such as gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Experts caution that the risks and the long-term effects of such medications on young children should be considered carefully by doctors and parents.
Liraglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1, which includes well-known medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. It works by mimicking certain hormones that impact appetite, feelings of fullness, and digestion. The drug is administered through daily injections and is currently approved under different brand names for treating diabetes in both adults and children, as well as obesity in older children and adults.
The study included 82 children with obesity-related health problems, with more than half having conditions like insulin resistance, asthma, or early puberty. Over the course of nearly 13 months, some children received liraglutide while others were given a placebo, all while following a regimen of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Results from the trial revealed significant improvements in BMI and weight gain for those taking the drug compared to the placebo group.
Despite the promising outcomes, the study reported mild to moderate side effects in a large percentage of participants, with gastrointestinal issues being most common. More research is being conducted to explore the prolonged use and effects of the drug in young children, with results expected in 2027. Doctors are optimistic about the potential approval of liraglutide for treating obesity in younger children as it addresses the underlying causes of obesity and could prevent serious health issues in the future.
